Volunteers from Cummins Inc.’s Jamestown Engine Plant are pictured working at the Robert H. Jackson Center.

The Robert H. Jackson Center has begun its Downtown Revitalization Initiative-funded project.

The center received approval from the state on May 15 to begin the work. Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Aug. 9, 2017, that the Jackson Center was awarded $1.5 million to “undertake needed upgrades to improve the visitor experience to the Jackson Center and enable the center to grow as a local cultural and historical anchor institution. Upgrades to the historic 1858 mansion that houses the center will include stabilizing and improving the structure, modernizing infrastructure, and creating more useable space that enhances the center’s collection and is conducive to program expansion opportunities. The upgrades will improve the facility’s visitor experience and enable more productive partnerships with local, regional, national, and international groups.”

Since then, Jackson Center officials has been working with its assigned program director from New York State Homes & Community Renewal, Jamestown representatives and other agencies involved in the project to complete all required submissions and approvals. On May 15, the Jackson Center was notified that work could commence on the project.

The Jackson Center has hired LaBella Associates to provide full architectural and engineering services for the project. David A. Walter of Walter Management PLLC will be part of the team for the duration of LaBella’s services. Several less visible phases of the project must be completed before construction activities can begin. Jackson Center officials anticipate construction will begin in late winter/early spring and last 12 months. Construction should not affect the Jackson Center’s program schedule, however, visitors will be asked to “pardon our dust” at times during the construction phase.

“We would like to express our deep gratitude to the leaders and members of the Scottish Right Freemasons Valley of Jamestown for partnering with us to make this renovation project possible within the timeframe necessary,” said Susan Moran Murphy, Jackson Center executive director. “And, we thank our dedicated volunteers from Cummins, Inc. Jamestown Engine Plant for providing their muscle power, knowledge, and can-do attitude on Wednesday, June 6 and two previous occasions, to clear out heavy items from key areas targeted for this project. Cummins is a great partner of the Jackson Center and in the larger community.”